Getting It Right About Gout

Have you heard about gout? We’re sure you have a few guesses, but this form of arthritis can come on suddenly and without warning. The condition can impact any joint. The most common one? The big toe joint. At PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center, we want to help patients learn more about the risk factors of this painful condition.

One cause is what we choose to put on our plate. As we prepare for the holiday season, let’s talk about uric acid.

What is uric acid?

Uric acid is not a terrible thing. We naturally produce this acid, and it eventually leaves our bodies through our urine. We run into problems when the acidic level increases. Too much acid can lead to urate crystal build-up within our joints. These crystals are sharp and needle-like. They can do a lot of harm to our surrounding joints, causing inflammation and pain.

Which foods are the troublemakers?

Food choices can be the problem, but certain beverages are high in uric acid, too. For your diet, be mindful of red meat and shellfish. Avoid alcohol choices like beer and skip over drinks made with fructose.

Are there other risk factors?

Yes. From being overweight to having diabetes, other factors can increase your risk of developing the condition. If you have diabetes, we recommend adding a podiatrist to your care team. The attacks are sudden and painful. Without proper management, patients may experience severe joint damage.

Our board-certified team of foot and ankle doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center has experience with addressing foot needs, including bunions and hammertoes, pediatric foot care, custom orthotics, heel pain, diabetic foot care, and more. The team includes Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, and Dr. Laura Vander Poel. We have two locations in Hartford County: 1379 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT, and 1350 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.